The only thing that is constant is change and Turlock Irrigation District is embracing change with plans to both sell and purchase property with the Turlock Rural Fire District and the City of Turlock.
TID Board of Directors unanimously approved a purchase and sale agreement and designated authorized personnel to sign all necessary documents to complete the sale and Lot Line Adjustment between the District and the TRFD at their Board meeting on Tuesday.
“I think it’s great,” said Director Michael Frantz. “It’s a good way to help them out.”
This agreement will effectively transfer a 0.19 acre parcel on Canal Drive to TRFD from the greater 0.55 acre parcel owned by TID. According to TID, the parcel is currently being used as a special minor projects storage yard.
TRFD approached TID last year with a need to expand their existing facilities and add an additional fire engine bay on the adjacent parcel located at 690 W. Canal Drive through Lot Line Adjustment. The 0.19 acre parcel will also give TRFD rights to officially own a parking lot on the northwest section that they have been using for 25 years, according to TID.
“The section, which was owned by TID, has been used for parking by Turlock Rural already because where the fence lines are,” said Survey/Right-of-Way Manager Tristan Higgins. “They’ve parked there for 25 years, so this will clear that up as well. They will own their parking lot.”
TID staff in conjunction with the TFRD Board of Directors, identified a Fair Market Value for the 0.19 acre parcel at $34,000 based on comparable sales in the area. Stakeholders were also consulted and operational changes were recommended to allow the Board to declare the 0.19 acre parcel surplus.
“This agreement will significantly benefit Turlock Rural, so it was really more about how we could help them,” said TID spokesperson Calvin Curtin.
Following on the heels of TID’s approved agreement with TFRD, the Turlock City Council is scheduled to consider approving TID’s next step forward with their Palm Street Operations Complex.
On Tuesday’s agenda are a lease agreement for property located and 247 E. Canal Drive and a purchase and sale agreement for properties located at 900 N. Palm Street and 244 Broadway Street.
Before the Turlock Police Department transitioned from its previous facility at 900 N. Palm St. to the current Public Safety Facility at 244 Broadway in October 2013, the City Council had the facility, as well as property located at 250 Starr Ave., appraised and listed for sale.
TID approached the City in March 2013 with an offer to purchase the properties. Upon negotiation completion, the total price of the lease agreement and purchase and sale agreements came to $2,610,000.
According to the City, the escrow on the properties close concurrently once the Park Preservation Act requirements have been met and the grant restrictions related to the skate park have been satisfied. Once escrow is closed, the property located at 247 E. Canal Dr. will be leased to the City through Feb. 29, 2016. The skate park will remain open and operational at least until Aug. 26.
Curtin reports that upon approval from City Council, TID will begin work on the Palm Street Operations Complex with tentative completion aimed for next year.
“We are going to consolidate Water Distribution Operations and Power Operations staff to one spot as opposed to having them spread out throughout our irrigation service territory,” said Curtin. “We will also be installing new equipment for Power Operations to increase reliability and improve customer service.
“This will greatly help with communication when we have everyone in one spot,” added Curtin.
